The Author's POV

A new morning arrived.

As soon as I woke up, I washed up and had breakfast with my family. After that, I got changed and left the apartment. Not going to lie, the last part took me a little longer than expected due to some unforeseen circumstances. Nevertheless, I was still on time.

"Are you ready?"

I was greeted by Amanda when I arrived at the front of the flat. She looked quite vivacious with her long white skirt and a black turtleneck that hid her neck.

Upon seeing her, I apologized immediately.

"Sorry, Nola was giving me a hard time."

"What happened this time?"

"…She had a nightmare, and she didn't want to let go of me."

Amanda covered her mouth and laughed.

"That's adorable."

"Not when you're in a hurry."

"It's fine, let's go. I've got the driver waiting downstairs."

"Thanks…"

Thanking Amanda, my mood shifted. Not in a good way as I was reminded of my purpose.

'...It's been a while since I last paid a visit.'

To Smallsnake's grave.

About a year or so.

I just couldn't bear to go. It reminded me of my failure. My failure in saving someone that was dear to me.

...But I also knew that this couldn't go on anymore.

As I was getting ready to leave for Immorra, I thought I should pay him a visit. It was about time I moved on.

"It's alright."

I felt Amanda squeeze my hand as she looked up at me. Meeting her gaze, I felt my heart calm down a little as a smile spread across my face.

Then, squeezing her hand back, I leaned my body forward and gave her a peck on the cheek.

"You…"

"Thanks."

I let go of her hand and moved away toward the elevators. Pretending ignorance to her bewildered expression.

It was about time I got her back because of how cheeky she had been acting lately. I was satisfied with just seeing her reaction.

…and it was exactly because of this feeling that I was experiencing that my face turned somber.

'I can't lose this.'

This little joy in my life.

It was probably the only thing that was stopping me from losing it.

So…

I had to do everything to not lose it.

***

Amanda stared at Ren's parting back with her hand pressed against the side of her cheek.

'It's hot.'

mumbled to herself while she felt the heat

actions shook her more than she expected. Most likely because this was the first time he had ever taken the

who initiated. She didn't blame him,

feelings and never attempted to force her emotions on him. Even though their progress was extremely

and her heart

But...

her other hand

was just a

***

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Ryan's screen as his fingers danced

what the tabs exhibited given how quickly

five monitors in front of him, Ryan's hand paused. Then, with a furrow of his brows, he mumbled

external generator that is powering up the system. If I disable the system, the generator will

to stare at one of the monitors,

any longer, guys. They have a backup generator for their system. You must act quickly since

[No problem]

voice echoed inside

It belonged to Ava.

can handle this without a problem. I'll get back at you

"Got it."

communication shut off

his head back toward the main screen, Ryan took a pen from the side

able to meet our monthly

perform tasks from time to time. They were required by law to meet certain monthly targets in

in the past, it wasn't an issue before, but when their mercenary organization rose in status, they were required to accomplish missions

mercenary group weren't something to be trifled with. It wasn't just the fame that came with it, but they were also granted priority to certain dungeons. That alone was a great incentive to

took turns, and at the moment, it was

complete, we can relax for another

dropped the pen on the table and reclined on

blankly stared

sure

Ryan tried his best to make up for his absence, but even after two years had

role that he understood just how good Smallsnake

not think about

felt his chest tighten whenever

had passed, he couldn't move on from what

agonized him every day. Maybe because he was still a teenager, or maybe because Smallsnake meant so much to him, but every day, he would force himself to learn

did he want such a situation to

Ding—!

a message. It was

whatever they are doing. We are going to another planet in two

as heavy silence

to calm down, but when he saw the words 'another planet' he couldn't stop himself from

brought rise to memories he wanted to forget with all of his might. Unknowingly, his foot started

'Calm down Ryan.'

him to quell his rough breathing, and even then, he

"Huff…huff…"

teeth, he brought his fingers to

[Okay.]

that only contained a single word. And one that

up from his seat once he

head to look at his mirror while resting both of his hands on the desk to support his body. He said, staring at his

can't go on, I need

***

"We're here."

my body. A familiar chapel appeared in the

closed my eyes while breathing in

'Here I am.'

since I had been here. Honestly, everything felt so familiar yet

couldn't quite put how I was feeling into words, but…it wasn't

almost felt like it was eating away at the little sanity that